Abuse lawyer explains why it's important to be trauma-aware

As a specialist in child abuse and personal injury litigation, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact that trauma can have on individuals. 

One of the most critical aspects of my practice is being trauma-aware, and I've come to understand the significance of trauma anniversaries.  These are dates that can trigger distressing memories and emotional responses in clients, often related to past traumatic events. 

Recognising and respecting these anniversaries is essential in providing compassionate and effective legal support.

The impact of trauma anniversaries

Trauma anniversaries can manifest in various ways. For some clients, the anniversary of a traumatic event can bring about intense emotional reactions, such as anxiety, depression, or even physical symptoms. These responses can be overwhelming and can significantly affect their ability to participate in legal proceedings or make important decisions. 

As a litigator, I believe it's my responsibility to minimise re-traumatisation by the legal process. There is still much to be done to make the system more trauma-aware but we benefit from listening to those clients affected and should be open to adapting and changing our own practice. 

What can we do?

One of the first steps in being trauma-aware is to have an open and empathetic conversation with the client about their trauma history. This involves creating a safe and supportive environment where the client feels comfortable sharing their experiences. 

It's important to listen actively and validate their feelings without judgment. By understanding their trauma history, I can identify potential trauma anniversaries and plan accordingly.

For example, if a client has experienced a traumatic event on a specific date, such as an assault or a significant loss, I make a note of this date and ensure that no key legal events are scheduled around it. This might mean scheduling court appearances, medical appointments, or important meetings to avoid these distressing times. 

The goal is to prevent any additional emotional burden on the client during these sensitive periods. There are times when this is taken out of the solicitor’s hands but being sensitive to the impact and trying to minimise the impact should be at the forefront of your mind when you're dealing with someone who has experienced trauma. 

Resources and support

In addition to avoiding key dates, it's also important to provide clients with resources and support to help them cope with trauma anniversaries. This might include referrals to mental health professionals, support groups, or other therapeutic services. 

Encouraging clients to engage in self-care and providing them with strategies to manage their emotional responses can make a significant difference in their overall well-being.

Education

Another crucial aspect of being trauma-aware is educating the legal team and other professionals involved in the case about the importance of trauma-informed practices. This includes training on how to recognise signs of trauma, how to communicate effectively with trauma survivors, and how to create a supportive environment throughout the legal process. 

By fostering a trauma-informed culture within the legal team, we seek to ensure that all interactions with the client are handled with sensitivity and respect. 

This will always be a work in progress, but I hope that my clients feel able to share with me when things are triggering for them and where the system or I could do more. 

Flexible approach

Being trauma-aware also means being flexible and adaptable in our approach. Each client’s experience with trauma is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. 

It's important to tailor our strategies to meet the individual needs of each client. This might involve adjusting our communication style, being patient and understanding, and continuously checking in with the client to ensure they feel supported. Some clients may need the door open rather than closed. Some may prefer to work with a woman or a man. Some may feel more comfortable speaking from home. Some may want to put distance between the legal process and their home to keep that a safe space. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, being trauma-aware and recognising trauma anniversaries is a fundamental aspect of providing effective legal support to survivors of child abuse and personal injury. By avoiding key dates that may trigger distress, offering appropriate resources, and fostering a trauma-informed environment, we can help our clients navigate the legal process with greater ease and emotional safety. Our ultimate goal is to empower our clients and support their healing journey while advocating for their rights and seeking justice on their behalf.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting survivors of abuse at our dedicated abuse and criminal injuries section.